The role of Middle Managers in the enhancement of staff professionalism for the Further Education system

Abstract

The Statutory Instrument of September 2007 approved as part of the regulatory powers of the Education Act (DfES, 2002) established regulations for a minimum undertaking of 30 hours’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for all teaching staff on a year-on-year basis. Seen as part of the professionalisation agenda for the Further Education (FE) sector, this regulation has placed additional responsibilities on the role of Middle Managers. Here we report on a small-scale research project based in one College of Further Education which set out to explore and better understand the role of Middle Managers in supporting the professionalisation agenda. The study determined to explore how Middle Managers, defined as those with operational rather than strategic roles, were supporting their colleagues whilst also trying to secure time for their own Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The impact of the IfL’s approach to dual professionalism is also explored.